Flossing removes plaque from between your teeth where periodontal (gum) disease and cavities begin. Those who develop gum disease later in life commonly do not floss or do not floss properly.

Flossing is of such great importance as brushing will only remove plaque from the surface of your teeth. Plaque left between teeth can cause decay and gum disease.

Proper Flossing Techniques:

• Use enough floss to hold the ends comfortably in your hands
  
  
• Wrap the floss around your index fingers and support it with your thumbs
  
  
• Floss at least once a day, ideally after meals or at least before bedtime.
  
  
• Slide the floss between tooth contacts with a back and forth motion being sure not to "snap" the floss through as it may injure gum tissue. Keep the floss as short as possible between the fingers to stop it snapping like a guitar string
  
  
• Once the floss is between your teeth, wrap it into a "C" shape around the surface of each opposing tooth and move the floss up and down the tooth surface 4 or 5 times.
  
  
• When finishing draw the floss out through the embrasure between the teeth. Do not pull it out through the contact point.
  
  
• Since plaque is very sticky, it is necessary to perform these steps or plaque will be left behind.
  
  
• Floss holders are available for those who have difficulty reaching the back teeth.
  
  
• Children should begin flossing as early as possible, with parents help.

By taking two minutes out of your day to floss, you will promote a healthier, happier smile!

Piksters are tiny brushes mounted on a flexible shaft and used for cleaning gaps between the teeth where the gums have been receded. The gaps are called embrasures where food packs down and pushes onto the gum (papilla).

Piksters are much less damaging to the soft gum tissues than wooden or plastic tooth picks which are hard and very unforgiving.

Call the Smile Emporium and ask about Piksters and their application in our "armoury" of oral hygiene care products.